Wenger talks up Diaby influence

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken of his faith in the potential of Abou Diaby, after the player successfully returned from injury, according to Sky Sports.

Diaby, 26, sustained a thigh injury which has hampered his progression at the Emirates and rendered him a casualty for most of the Premier League season so far. But the manager believes his fitness is the key to the Gunners success this year.

“With the way we have structured the team, Diaby is an important part of the puzzle in our team because he adds qualities that we need in the middle of the park,” said Wenger.

“He has power and long strides. Diaby is the closest to Patrick Vieira in his style that we have seen for a long time.”

With the player’s return, he can finally fulfil the promise of his talents, as long as he stays healthy.

“I faced exactly the same questions with [Robin] Van Persie and for a while everybody thought Van Persie will never play a season, but last year he played 55 games,” he said.

“They can get over this cycle, but you always have a little fear that another injury can come in.

“We had that for a long time with Van Persie and suddenly he got over it and I hope Diaby is over it now as well.”